@ctroubl_e's testosterone reading joke, fact-checked

What does this Instagram post actually claim?

Chris Treibel (@ctroubl_e) posted what appears to be a lighthearted joke about masculine stereotypes, asking "bc why would a man need to read a book?" The post is tagged with transgender and testosterone-related hashtags, suggesting it's commentary on gender expression during hormone transition.

The post doesn't make explicit medical claims about testosterone replacement therapy. Instead, it seems to play with cultural stereotypes about masculinity and reading habits. However, the hashtag combination (#ftm #testosterone) places it in conversations about medical transition.

Does testosterone actually affect reading or cognitive function?

Testosterone does have measurable effects on certain cognitive functions, but not in the way this joke implies. Research shows testosterone influences spatial reasoning, working memory, and verbal fluency in complex ways that vary by individual and dosage.

A 2017 study by Aleman et al. in Psychoneuroendocrinology found that testosterone administration improved spatial abilities in some participants but had minimal effects on verbal tasks like reading comprehension. For transgender men specifically, Schneider et al. (2016) documented improvements in mental rotation tasks but no significant changes in verbal processing after 4-12 months of testosterone therapy.

The idea that testosterone makes someone less interested in reading is a cultural stereotype, not a biological reality. Hormone levels don't determine intellectual interests or reading ability.

If anything, many transgender men report improved focus and cognitive clarity once they begin hormone therapy, which could theoretically make reading easier, not harder.

What's the real story with testosterone and behavior changes?

Testosterone replacement therapy does cause some documented behavioral and mood changes, but they're more nuanced than "becoming less intellectual." Clinical studies show specific patterns that don't match popular stereotypes.

Van Anders et al. (2021) found that testosterone therapy in transgender men was associated with increased confidence and assertiveness after 6-12 months. However, this didn't correlate with decreased interest in academic or intellectual pursuits. Studies consistently show that educational attainment and reading habits remain stable during hormone transition.

The real changes people notice are often related to mood and energy. Many report feeling more decisive or experiencing different emotional responses. But there's no evidence that testosterone makes people avoid books or intellectual activities.

It's worth noting that societal expectations about masculinity might influence behavior more than the hormone itself. Some people might feel pressure to conform to masculine stereotypes, which unfortunately sometimes includes anti-intellectual attitudes.

What should people know about testosterone effects?

Testosterone replacement therapy has well-documented physical and some psychological effects, but personality changes are generally subtle and individual. The hormone doesn't fundamentally alter someone's interests or intelligence.

Physical changes from testosterone therapy are predictable and dose-dependent. These include voice deepening, increased muscle mass, body fat redistribution, and facial hair growth. Psychological effects are more variable and include potential changes in mood, energy levels, and stress response.

What testosterone doesn't do is change your core personality, values, or intellectual capacity. If someone stops reading after starting testosterone, it's likely due to other factors like time constraints, mood changes, or social pressures rather than the hormone directly affecting reading ability.

Anyone considering testosterone therapy should discuss realistic expectations with their healthcare provider. The goal is to align physical characteristics with gender identity, not to dramatically alter personality or behavior.